Brisbane Roar are pleased to announce that former Greek International defender Avram Papadopoulos and Championship winning goalkeeper Michael Theo will both remain with the Roar in 2017/18.

Brisbane?s preparations for the upcoming campaign are in full swing ahead of the commencement of pre-season training which will begin in early July.Melbourne-born key defender Avram Papadopoulos will be in Orange for the Hyundai A-League 2017/18 season after the imposing centre-back slotted straight into the Roar backline following his late-season arrival.

Papadopoulos (below) started seven games after making his Roar debut in Round 22, and will continue to shore up the middle of the Brisbane?s defence along with fellow centre-backs Jade North, Luke DeVere and Daniel Bowles.

Head Coach John Aloisi said it was fantastic news to lock in the key backline pillar.

?Avram is a fantastic footballer who from day one has embraced our culture and style of play,? Aloisi said.

?There is no doubt he will bolster our already strong defensive line. ?He is a leader who will give our side greater flexibility at the back for the 2017/18 season.

? Five-time Hyundai A-League Champion Michael Theo is another key player to commit to the Club. Theo (below) is the Hyundai A-League?s most successful keeper, having never lost a Grand Final, and has been between the posts for all three of Brisbane?s Championship victories.

Aloisi believes Theo?s commitment, professionalism and experience will be invaluable for the Roar side during the upcoming campaign.

?To have the most successful goalkeeper in Hyundai A-League history in our team gives us great confidence,? Aloisi said.

?Michael continues to be an important member of our squad and I know he is determined to help the team be successful in 2017/18.?

Roar?s successful shot-stopper has made 152 appearances in Orange, the fourth-highest total in the Club?s history.